EPA sticks to its guns on plan to bar use of deadly pesticide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to move forward with their decision to revoke tolerances of carbofuran, which was sold under the brand name “Furadan”

EPA warns growers that carbofuran should not be applied to any food crops after December 31, 2009

Announcement will not eliminate international uses that are killing African lions

WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2009) – Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to hear that the EPA has not given in to pressure from carbofuran manufacturer FMC Corporation to reverse a decision to end the use of this highly toxic pesticide in the United States. The following is a statement from Bob Irvin, senior vice president for Defenders of Wildlife:

“This toxic pesticide has killed millions of birds and other wildlife in the U.S. alone. EPA analysis has confirmed that carbofuran is a threat to human health through contaminated food, drinking water and occupational exposure. And in its 2005 ecological risk assessment for carbofuran, EPA stated that there were no legal uses of carbofuran that did not kill wild birds. The December 31 end-date for U.S. applications of carbofuran cannot come too soon for America’s environment and wildlife.

“Unfortunately, today’s announcement will not end the international use of carbofuran. International use has resulted in the deaths of lions in Africa and is threatening the very existence of the species. Defenders of Wildlife is committed to working with our conservation partners in addressing that issue as well.”

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.